Council Kills Crack Pipe Program

Council Kills Crack Pipe Program

On Wednesday, the Ottawa City Council was expected to review a controversial crack pipe distribution program. Instead, it voted to end the outreach entirely.

Because crack pipe users can experience cuts to their lips, pipe-sharing among users can transmit blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Ottawa has an epidemic of those diseases, said Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Salisbury, and shared crack pipes and needles lead to more infections. "If we cannot control the HIV epidemic, it will affect us all. Whether in the pocketbook, or with the ones we lose," he said. Salisbury compared the program's annual $7,500 Canadian ($7,162 US) cost to the $600,000 ($573,000 US) average hospitalization cost per AIDS patient.

Councilor Rick Chiarelli, who introduced the motion to end the program, said there is "absolutely no evidence" the program reduces communicable diseases. Last year, a University of Ottawa study said the crack pipe program reduced pipe sharing but increased crack smoking. It cited, however, "significant scientific evidence" showing the program reduced crack smoking-related harm.

About 25 residents of a Sandy Hill neighborhood, who blame increased local crack use on the program, were delighted with the council's vote. "If you have $3 to spend and you can get a tall boy [beer] for $3.80 and a piece of crack for $3, what are you going to do?" asked Lance Valcour, a police inspector whose beat has included Sandy Hill for 30 years.

Salisbury was disappointed by the vote, as was the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. "We have just voted to basically kill six to 12 people a year," said Councilor Clive Doucet.

Ottawa Citizen (07.12.07):: Katie Daubs; Jake Rupert

We are providing the above information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases does not constitute endorsement. The above summaries were prepared without conducting any additional research or investigation into the facts and statements made in the articles being summarized, and therefore readers are expressly cautioned against relying on the validity or invalidity of any statements made in these summaries. This CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on MMWR articles, fact sheets and announcements.

STDWeB provides only health screening services. Tests are provided only for personal information and/or risk identification purposes. STDWeB does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. STDWeB screenings do not take the place of a physician care. Transactions with STDWeB are confidential and will not be shared with third parties. Tests with "positive" or "indeterminate" result may require confirmatory testing and may involve additional charges.